Frequently asked.
Video Production
What stages of production are required to make a video?
Video production requires several stages to complete, and each stage is required to ensure the video is produced to the clients expectations on time and on budget. The stages are:
Planning: meeting with the client to discuss the project after the quote has been accepted to determine the scope
Scripting: visual, narrative, text and graphics
Pre-production: arrangement of locations, permissions and booking crew
Production: shooting on location
1st draft editing of the ‘base layer’ of the video in the order in which the content will appear
2nd draft editing with client changes including graphics, music and titles
Final editing with client changes to master keying, colours, audio, graphics
Web optimisation: compression and uploading of video file
What is pre-production?
Pre-production is a term used to describe the time spent of preparing the production of a video before the shooting or editing days. Pre-production costs really depend on the amount of planning that is required for each video and can include booking venues and extra crew, arranging travel and accommodation or applying of permits and setting up an account. The production manager and producer therefore carry out pre-production.
What is a production manager?
A: A Production Manager (PM) is not only responsible for the smooth operation of every video we make and to ensure that the project doesn’t run over budget. There are many facets to consider when making a video; insurances, parking, permits, crew meals, overtime payments, post production scheduling…just to name a few. Without a PM on the job, the production can become chaotic and delays can consequently occur. The PM coordinates directly with the producer.
There are items on the quote; a sound recordist and a camera assistant — do we need these?
Sound is a vital component of video production as is lighting, editing and camera work. Camera assistants are also vital as they bring more hands to the production. For a shoot to go as quickly as smoothly possible it requires a team that can assist each other. Reducing the crew to save money tends to delay shoots which end up costing more as a result.
I have sourced 3 quotes for video production, why are the prices so different?
There are 5 expert production companies in the ACT that can deliver roughly the same quality video product. There are many others who come and go, who are cheaper than most, but find over time that they cant afford the overheads of running a business. We can’t speak for our competition, but every company is different with different production methods and outputs. We have always trained our staff to be multi-skilled, whereas many companies have a single or specialised roles. In the old days of production the cast was huge, in todays market developments in technology and computing have reduced the numbers required to produce video.
Why does it take so long to edit a video?
Editing is a laborious process which involves ingesting, or copying, content to the editing computer, editing the content, audio mastering, colour matching and delivery. To provide an estimate for editing we use the following equation; 1 minute of edited video takes 4 hours.
Why do you need to have sign-off stages and why do you charge is changes are made after delivery?
Newcast quotes the delivery of content in 3 stages:
The 1st draft is an outline of the narrative order of the video as well as music and some basic graphics. Think of this as the ‘order’ video. The client is encouraged to make as many changes to the 1st draft as they like. Once these changes are made, we edit the 2nd draft; the client is encouraged to approve the instructions from the changes they have made, and make more changes if required.
Think of the 2nd draft as the ‘base’. Once these are approved, we go into final draft. This stage takes the longest period of time to produce as we master the content for final broadcast. Mastering includes sound and video mastering as well as graphics and titles.
The final is just that; the final. We can accommodate minor changes, but any major revisions are required to go back to 2nd draft stage and repeat the process.
Live Streaming
How does live-streaming work?
Live streaming is a technology that allows video content to be streamed over the Internet in real time. Video content is encoded on-site and distributed to client devices via a global content distribution network (CDN). Live-streamed content can be password protected for payment, shared and also promoted via social media channels.
Who can watch a live stream?
Live streamed video content can be watched on any device, anywhere in the world. Live streaming can be password protected for payment or geo-blocked for certain countries. Some business networks block video ports however viewers can connect via their tablets and smart phones whilst at their desks. Newcast offers a support service should viewers have any problems connecting.
Wy use multiple camera angles?
Multiple cameras produce multiple shots, similar to a TV show or sporting event. Rather than just one angle which can’t be edited, they make content easier to watch as well as the reaction of the audience and the questions they ask. Our director ‘switches’ between the angles to create a TV-style effect which is edited on location. This cuts down postproduction time and therefore allows us to upload your on-demand content sooner.
What is on-demand?
As soon as your live stream is finished, it is encoded and uploaded for viewers who were not able to watch the live stream. On-demand content can be password protected for payment, shared and promoted via social media channels.
Why do the prices vary?
Prices depend on which live streaming provider we use and the amount of security, support and interactivity is required for the content. For example; a simple stream only event with no security or interaction has a different cost structure compared to an interactive, moderated and highly encrypted event. Also, an event which is outside with no hard-wired Internet connection or requires skilled camera operators can also increase the price.
How many hours does set-up take?
It depends on the volume of cameras required, but a rule it takes about 3 hours to set-up a live stream. Once we have set up the cameras we need to test the network and this can be time consuming if we need to work with your local IT department to address any networking issues.
What is a simulcast?
A: A simulcast is two consecutive streams on two different platforms. To do so we require an extra encoder, or computer, to stream the same content across two platforms. Simulcasting is perfect for increasing and reaching different audiences across platforms.
Can we stream events held outside?
A: Yes we can, but the pricing varies if we need to use wireless technologies. It is preferable to use the supplied network a) for maintaining a secure stream and b) to keep costs low.
We are always happy to discuss the processes, costs or any other queries relating to video production anytime. Contact us here